NFL Trade Rumors: Lamar Jackson to Patriots links get new life after Bill Belichick’s Mac Jones decision

Mac Jones has been the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots for each of the last two seasons. He earned the job after being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Jones had an impressive rookie season, finishing in second place in the official Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. He understandably came into the 2022 season with high expectations, but failed to live up to them.

Jones' struggles in 2022 created rumors that the Patriots could potentially be in the market to acquire a new quarterback during the 2023 NFL offseason. The franchise initially shot down the rumors, but the latest developments suggest otherwise. They have apparently been shopping Mac Jones in the trade market to explore the possibility of pivoting directions.

The Patriots' alleged interest intaeding away Mac Jones suggests that they may not be confident about his future outlook as a potential franchise quarterback. They barely missed out on the NFL Playoffs for the 2022 season, so it's likely Bill Belichick will do whatever it takes to get back there in 2023. One way to do so is by making a major upgrade to their quarterback position.

One way they can do this is by targeting superstar Lamar Jackson during the 2023 NFL offseason. Jackson is currently available for the right price after the Baltimore Ravens placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on him. He also formally requested a trade after becoming frustrated with long-term contract negotiations with the Ravens.

The non-exclusive franchise tag allows Lamar Jackson to negotiate a new contract with any team during the free agency period. If he receives an official offer sheet from any team, the Ravens will first have the opportunity to match it. If they pass on the offer, they will receive two first-round picks in the NFL draft from the team that signs their superstar quarterback.

It's entirely possible that the Patriots have already talked to Jackson about what type of contract he's looking for. They are also allowed to negotiate a traditional trade with the Ravens. If the Patriots are in fact shopping Jones, they must have some sort of alternate plan for their starting quarterback in 2023. Lamar Jackson may very well be their pivot option.

---

What NFL teams have the Patriots reached out to about trading for Mac Jones?

QB Mac Jones

According to Mike Florio, four teams were contacted by the Patriots about a potential trade for Mac Jones.

While the Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already signed quarterbacks during the 2023 NFL offseason, the Houston Texans and Washington Commanders each lack a reliable starter.

The Texans are expected to select one in with the second-overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. On the other hand, Commanders seem to make the most sense of the four teams mentioned, but other landing spots may potentially arise.